Mercy observes Nurses Week

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

In conjunction with National Nurses Week, Mercy extends appreciation for nurses; they are knowledgeable clinicians, encouraging counselors, leaders and friends.

And when the opportunity arises to recognize Mercy nurses for exceptional care, the compliments are endless.

"Our patients tell the stories best," says Patrick Callanan, Mercy vice president of patient care services. "Comments like, 'It's her genuine care - the way she calmed my fears and walked me through every step,' are a tribute to those who consider nursing a calling, not just an occupation."

"Our Mercy nurses go above and beyond to provide the best care possible, whether in the hospital, clinic, emergency department, or through our home health or hospice services," Callanan adds.

"In today's health care setting, a nurse is compassionate, skilled clinician who monitors a multitude of situations to improve a patient's health and safety.

Nursing is a rapidly changing field and our Mercy nurses do a fabulous job of embracing new initiatives so they will continue performing at the highest level for patient outcomes and satisfaction."

Just a few more patient compliments follow:

"Kathy, Mercy Home Health nurse, goes above and beyond the call of duty. When I got sick, I called her to come over to see what the problem was. When she got here, I found out it was her day off, but she came anyway. She really cares about her patients. She is a wonderful lady and nurse."

"While in ER, Christi cared for us as if we were family. She had such a personal touch. How lucky we are to have someone like her caring for patients at Mercy."

"Being a first-time mother is out of this world, but having Nancy continuously at my side during the whole process was phenomenal. That's the kind of care that everyone who delivers a baby at Mercy is lucky to have."

According to the American Nursing Association (ANA) website, National Nurses Week was first observed in 1954 from October 11 - 16. The year of the observance marked the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea. A year later, Representative Frances P. Bolton sponsored the bill for a nurse week but no action was taken. Congress discontinued its practice of joint resolutions for national weeks of various kinds.

In 1982 President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation on March 25, proclaiming "National Recognition Day for Nurses" to be May 6, 1982. In 1990 The ANA Board of Directors expanded the recognition of nurses to a week-long celebration beginning each year on May 6 and ending on Florence Nightingale's birthday, May 12.